Battle Ground Turns 75, Plus a Local Newspaper Changes Hands
Reach engaged Vancouver, WA readers daily. Learn more β
π° What's Making News
Maddox Industrial Owners Buy The Reflector, Battle Ground's Hometown Paper
Camden and Mac Spiller, co-owners of Maddox Industrial, announced Wednesday that they've acquired The Reflector β Battle Ground's community newspaper. It's a notable move that keeps the paper under local ownership and ties it to a name already well known in Clark County business circles. For a community that values its identity apart from the Portland metro blur, local media staying in local hands is worth paying attention to. Read more from The Columbian.
Battle Ground Turns 75 β Free Birthday Bash at Kiwanis Park June 18
Battle Ground is celebrating 75 years since its 1951 incorporation with a free Pop-Up Birthday Party at Kiwanis Park on Wednesday, June 18. Expect birthday cupcakes, face painting, a foam dance party, mini horse petting, and a live mural painted by local artist Ana Gabriela Honsowetz. Rabbit Hole Eatery and Coffee and Principal Properties LLC are among the community sponsors pitching in. If you've never had a reason to spend an afternoon in Battle Ground, this is a pretty good one. Full details at Clark County Today.
Seton Catholic's Four-Day School Week: Two Years In, Here's What They've Found
Two years after Seton Catholic College Prep switched to a four-day school week, campus leaders say the model has been a net positive for the private high school's nearly 300 students. The compressed schedule was a bold experiment for a Clark County school, and the early returns suggest it's working β with benefits for both student engagement and staff well-being. It's the kind of local education story worth watching as other schools weigh similar shifts. Read The Columbian's report.
Rebound Orthopedics Tapped as Team USA Medical Network Provider
Vancouver-based Rebound Orthopedics & Neurosurgery just earned a big credential: the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee has designated the practice as a Team USA Medical Network Provider. That means Rebound will be supporting Olympic and Paralympic athletes training in the Northwest. It's a serious nod to the caliber of sports medicine happening right here in Clark County β and a point of pride for anyone who's sat in one of their waiting rooms. More from The Columbian.
Raptors' Five-Game Win Streak Snapped in 13-1 Loss to Yakima Valley
The Ridgefield Raptors ran into a buzzsaw Thursday night, falling 13-1 to the Yakima Valley Pippins at home. The lopsided loss ended a five-game win streak and kept the Pippins from getting swept in the series. It was one of those nights where nothing clicked, but the streak itself was a reminder that this Raptors squad has been playing solid summer ball. Shake it off, show up tomorrow. See the full recap at The Columbian.
Know someone who'd love a daily Vancouver dispatch? Forward this their way.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.
Reach engaged Vancouver, WA readers daily. Learn more β
π¬ Community Buzz
The buzz is quiet today β we'll be back with fresh community discussions worth your time soon!
Got a neighbor who'd appreciate this? Pass it along.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.
Reach engaged Vancouver, WA readers daily. Learn more β
β‘ Quick Bites
Ridgefield's Restaurant Boom: In-N-Out, Chick-fil-A, Costco Among Newcomers
Ridgefield's May 2026 Development Summary reads like a foodie wish list β In-N-Out Burger, Chick-fil-A, Niyom Thai Kitchen, Zaiqa Indian Cuisine, Cheeky Noodles, and Mahoney's Public House are all in various stages of permitting, alongside a Costco and Grocery Outlet. The projects are clustered around Union Ridge Town Center, Royle Ridge Station, and Hillhurst Commercial Center, with new coffee spots from Fika Coffee, Black Rock, Dutch Bros, and Starbucks also in the mix. Full rundown here.
Alaska Airlines Restores Tri-Cities-to-Portland Nonstop After 7-Year Gap
If you have family in the Tri-Cities, your travel just got easier β Alaska Airlines is bringing back its nonstop route between Pasco/Kennewick and Portland after a seven-year absence. Read more from The Columbian.
Eastern Washington Braces for 'Unusually Active' Wildfire Season
A combination of yearlong weather patterns has fire officials forecasting a particularly intense summer for Eastern Washington wildfires β worth keeping on your radar if you have camping or travel plans east of the Cascades. Details here.
Like what you're reading? Send it to a Vancouverite who should subscribe.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.
Reach engaged Vancouver, WA readers daily. Learn more β
π Mark Your Calendar
Friday, June 12
- ROAD TRIP: PCTA Trail Work Project @ Benson Plateau β 8:00 AM. Join the Pacific Crest Trail Association's Mount Hood Chapter for a crosscut logout on the PCT to Benson Plateau. Registration required; max 8 volunteers. More info
- Enhance Fitness Classes β 8:30 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise for older adults (age 60+), hosted by the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington. Sessions at 8:30 and 10:00 AM. More info
- Mount Adams Trail Jamboree and Campout! β 8:30 AM. Spend the weekend doing trail stewardship in the Mount Adams Ranger District with Washington Trails Association. Campout with s'mores included β bring the family and join for one, two, or all three days. More info
- SW WA Victory Garden Work Party β 9:00 AM. Spend your Friday morning outdoors with Urban Abundance at the SWWA Victory Garden. Good people, good cause, gorgeous weather. More info
- Ridgefield β Learn to Kayak Tour β 9:00 AM at Ridgefield Waterfront Park. Paddle the Columbia River Water Trail near Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge with Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe. More info
- Adult & Teen Craft and Chat β 10:00 AMβ12:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Bring your current craft project for a no-stakes session. Ages 13+. Free. More info
- Pick It Up, Vancouver! β 10:00 AM at Esther Short Park. Join SOLVE for a litter cleanup β meet near the clock tower at Columbia and Sixth. Bags, gloves, grabbers, and vests provided. All ages welcome. Free. More info
- Forest Canopy Walk at Plas Newydd β 10:00 AM. Explore beautiful corners of Plas Newydd Farm on a guided walk hosted by Abby Braithwaite and David Morgan. Registration required. More info
- Homestead Park Volunteer Work Party β 10:00 AM at Homestead Park, Vancouver. Help with mulching, blackberry removal, and weed pulling. Family-friendly; tools and snacks provided. More info
- 60+ Senior Community Meal Program β 12:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, served noonβ1:00 PM. Sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
- NAMI Art Group β 1:00β3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 N.E. 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. Hosted every Friday. More info
- HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at the Movies β 1:00 PM at Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver. A musical on the big screen on the second Friday of every month. $10/person. More info
- Washougal Community Market β 2:00β6:00 PM at Reflection Plaza, Washougal. Small businesses, artisans, bakers, food vendors, and live music every Friday through July 31. Free. More info
- Kids Create β 3:30β4:30 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5β9. Free. More info
- Tween Hangout at Vancouver Community Library β 4:00β5:30 PM. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks for ages 9β12. Free. More info
- Friday Night Cruise-In at Alderbrook Park β 4:00β8:00 PM at 24414 N.E. Westerholm Road, Brush Prairie. Classic cars, disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more. $5β$10 admission. More info
- Pairs and Spares Seniors Park Social β 5:00 PM at Leroy Haagen Park, Vancouver. Call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
- Kindred Vancouver Advocacy Potluck β 5:00β8:00 PM at Kindred Vancouver, 2213 Main St. Enjoy a meal and get to know local advocacy groups. Bring a dish to share. Free. More info
- ROAD TRIP β Cycle Oregon's Joyride (Women's Only Ride) β 5:00 PM. A women-centric weekend of biking, natural splendor, and belonging centered around Pleasant Hill, OR. Every body, every bike. More info
- Community Dragon Boat Paddle β 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Free paddling for ages 14+. No experience needed β equipment provided. More info
- Project Huddle Knit/Crochet Circle β 5:30β8:00 PM at Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary, 109 W. Seventh St., Vancouver. Bring your projects or your scraps for others to use. Free. More info
- Aging Well Workshop β 5:30β6:30 PM at East Woods Presbyterian Church, Vancouver. Topics include finding purpose in later life, brain health, and intergenerational connection, led by Andrew Funka. $35. More info
- Teen Late Night: Nerf Wars β 6:00β8:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. After-hours fun for ages 13β19. Pizza and snacks provided. Free. More info
- FIFA World Cup at Kalama Harbor Lodge β 6:00 PM (USA vs. Paraguay). Catch the match on the big screen with beer, burgers, and tots at the Cove Bar. All ages welcome. Free. More info
- Grease Night in Camas β Starting at 6:00 PM. Karaoke at Drop the Mic, trivia at Caps N' Taps at 8:00 PM, and a 10:05 PM screening of Grease at the Liberty Theatre. Dress as your favorite character! More info
- Vancouver Movement Collective: East of the Sun & West of the Moon β 6:30 PM. An original choreographic work by Artistic Director Chloe Mason based on the classic fairy tale. More info
- Magenta Theater Talent Show β 6:30β7:15 PM at Magenta Theater, 1108 Main St., Vancouver. Perform before opening night of The Bridges of Madison County and see the play for free. Audience votes with cash tips. All skill levels welcome. More info
- Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro β 7:00 PM at 12514 N.W. 36th Ave., Vancouver. Food, cocktails, and live performances on the pet-friendly patio. First come, first served. More info
- Pour Choices Pub Summer Concert Series: Pour Voices β 7:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Local favorites Sarah, Bee, Grace, Dolan, and Colin bring harmonies and good vibes. More info
- The Bridges of Madison County β 7:30 PM at Magenta Theater, Vancouver. The Tony Award-winning musical opens tonight and runs through June 28. $32. More info
- The OBT Collection β 7:30 PM at Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, Beaverton. Oregon Ballet Theatre's season finale features bold West Coast choreography. $65.50β$98.50. More info
- Alex Warren: Finding Family on the Road β 7:30 PM at Moda Center, Portland. High-voltage pop performance and candid storytelling. $58β$155. More info
Saturday, June 13
- Pollinator Festival Week BioBlitz! β 6:00 AM. Join the Vancouver Bee Project's iNaturalist BioBlitz during Pollinator Week. Document pollinators, plants, birds, and fungi across Clark County and earn a Pollinator Festival Passport stamp. More info
- Birding Walk at Ridgefield NWR β 8:00 AM. Join Robert Vanderkamp for a guided bird walk at the Carty Unit. Robert brings 17 years of Audubon chapter leadership and a "care and share" spirit. More info
- Get Outdoors Day! β 8:00 AM. The U.S. Forest Service often waives day-use fees at national forests for this annual celebration. Activities include fishing, kayaking, hiking, archery, and bird watching. More info
- Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market β 9:00 AMβ3:00 PM at Esther Short Park. Our flagship year-round market featuring local farmers, makers, and more. More info
- DogPaw Community Vendor Event β 9:00 AMβ2:00 PM at Pacific Community Park / Dakota Dog Park, 1515 N.E. 164th Ave., Vancouver. Browse 40+ vendors representing dog rescues, pet products, nonprofits, and community resources. Bring your pups! Free. More info
- Wander Clark County: Old City Cemetery Tours β 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM tours at the Old City Cemetery, Vancouver. Explore the resting places of pioneering families, Civil War veterans, and figures like Esther Short. Hosted by Clark County Historical Museum. Freeβ$10. More info
- Neighborhood Parking Lot Sale β 9:00 AMβ3:00 PM at Vancouver Heights United Methodist Church, 5701 MacArthur Blvd. Clothing, books, glassware, household items, toys, and more. More info
- Second Saturday at Jane Weber Arboretum β 9:00 AM at 9215 S.E. Evergreen Highway, Vancouver. Volunteers will sheet-mulch recently cleared areas. Refreshments provided. Free. More info
- Ridgefield Bachelor Island Circumnavigation Kayak Tour β 9:00 AM. A full-day, 10-mile paddle around Bachelor Island with Alder Creek Ridgefield. Wildlife and history along the Columbia River Water Trail. More info
- Frenchman's Bar Beach Cleanup β 9:00 AM at 9612 NW Lower River Road. Join Clark County Public Works for a litter pickup. Wear closed-toe shoes; all tools supplied. More info
- Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play β 9:15β10:30 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lesson followed by assisted play. More info
- Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center β 10:00 AMβ3:00 PM. Flight simulators, a vertical wind table, historic airplanes, and hands-on STEAM activities. Free admission, all ages. More info
- Founders Coffee and Mercantile Dude Market β 10:00 AMβ3:00 PM at 317 E. Main St., Battle Ground. Live music, food, and gifts for guys at this inaugural market. Free admission. More info
- 78th Street Heritage Farm Walking Tours β 10:00 AM at 1919 N.E. 78th St., Hazel Dell. Guided tours of the 79-acre farm on the Washington Historic Register. Learn about its history in horticulture education and food security. Free. More info
- How to Make Change for the Better β Christian Science Lecture β 10:00 AM at First Church of Christ, Scientist, 204 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Healing practitioner Janet Hegarty shares personal experiences. Free. More info
- Flag Retirement Event β 10:00 AMβ2:00 PM at American Legion Post 14, 4607 N.E. St. James Road, Vancouver. Bring worn American flags for a patriotic retirement ceremony by Scout Troop #320. Free coffee and doughnut from Donut Nook. More info
- Summer Reading Kickoff at Camas Public Library β 10:00 AMβ12:00 PM. Pick up a gameboard and start tracking your reading. Stampers for the first 200 kids and first 50 teens and adults. Free. More info
- USFWS Workshop: Making Buildings Bird-Safe β 10:00 AM at 28908 NW Main Ave., Ridgefield. Learn about migration, window collision hazards, and hands-on solutions at the new Ridgefield NWR Community Nature Center. More info
- Uptown Neighborhood Cleanup β 10:00 AM. Meet at Kindred Vancouver, 2213 Main St. Gloves, grabbers, and buckets provided. More info
- 2026 Second Saturday Summer Series: Water Safety Day β 10:00 AM in Washougal. Free, family-friendly activities focused on water safety as part of the City of Washougal's Parks Passport Program. More info
- Kids & Tweens Build It β 10:30 AMβ12:00 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes, and STEM fun for ages 5β12. Free. More info
- Spanish Storytime β 10:30 AM at Camas Public Library. Bilingual stories and songs in Spanish and English for children and families. Free. More info
- Blueprint Gala and Music Festival β 11:00 AMβ7:00 PM. A day of entertainment, music, and food. Pay what you want (including free!). More info
- Play Bridge (0β150 Points) β 11:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. $10. More info
- Adult Nature Identification Walk at Steigerwald NWR β 11:00 AM. Join naturalist Rebecca Lexa on a guided walk to identify local plants and animals. Hosted by Fort Vancouver Regional Library. Free. More info
- ilani BBQ Fest β 12:00 PM at ilani Casino Resort, Ridgefield. Food Network BBQ Brawl stars Kyle Bryner, Brad Leighninger, and Tyler Anderson headline with cooking demos, 150+ craft beverages, and savory bites. $44β$99. More info
- Get Outdoors Day Movie Matinee: The Little Things That Run the World β 1:00β3:00 PM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Free screening of a documentary spotlighting pollinators, plus guided nature walks. Registration required. More info
- Artist Talk with Emily J. Pratt β 1:00β2:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Hear about Pratt's process of transforming weathered materials into two-dimensional art. View her exhibit "Topographic Passages" through June 27. Free. More info
- Pairs and Spares Seniors at Golden City β 1:00 PM at Golden City Chinese Restaurant, 6204 N.E. Highway 99, Vancouver. Call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
- Denim-Inspired Jean Jacket Card Make & Take β 2:00β4:00 PM at Craft Warehouse, Vancouver. Create denim-inspired handmade cards with layered stencil techniques and embellishments. $2, register in advance. More info
- Vancouver Games and Music Festival β 2:00β9:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Video games, live music from Beat Rush Big Band and Under the Deku Tree, cosplay, and comedian Carl Wolfson. $35. More info
- Artist Talk: The Joy of Letting Go β 2:00β3:00 PM at Hilton Vancouver Washington, 301 W. Sixth St. Allan Oliver and Kimberlee Wixom discuss their exhibit and creative process. Free. More info
- Adult Garden Chat with FVRL β 3:00 PM. A monthly community gathering to discuss the best gardening techniques for our corner of the Pacific Northwest. Free. More info
- Higher Ground Dance Studio: Legends β 6:00β8:30 PM at Columbia Theatre, Longview. End-of-year recital featuring legendary music from David Bowie, Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, and more. $18β$22. More info
- River Songs: A House Concert β 6:30β8:30 PM at a private riverside condo on the Columbia River waterfront. Trinity Episcopal Cathedral musicians perform songs about water by Schubert, FaurΓ©, Vaughan Williams, and more. Wine, hors d'oeuvres, and sunset views included. $70. More info
- VanCity Ballroom Saturday Social Dance β 7:00 PM at 9212 N.E. Highway 99, Suite 110, Hazel Dell. A 45-minute beginners lesson followed by social dancing until 10 PM. No partner needed. $10. More info
- Clark College Concert Choir & Chamber Choir Spring Concert β 7:30 PM at First United Methodist Church, 401 E. 33rd St., Vancouver. Features the world premiere of James Pick's "Let Us Awake." Directed by Dr. Jacob Funk. Free admission. More info
- Pour Choices Karaoke: 90's Pop Stars Night β 8:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Channel your inner Britney, NSYNC, or Spice Girls and take the stage. More info
Sunday, June 14
- Vancouver Arts and Music Festival β Call for Artists! β Local and regional artists and makers: apply now for the Visual Arts & Creative Makers Marketplace at VAMF. Emerging artists encouraged. More info
- Birding Hike with Vancouver Audubon Society β 7:00 AM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Look for Savannah Sparrows, Lazuli Buntings, and fledglings during nesting season. All are welcome. More info
- Free Outdoor Fitness Bootcamp β 9:00 AM. Meet at Northwest Personal Training, 1011 Broadway, Vancouver, then head to scenic outdoor locations for a full-body workout. All fitness levels welcome. More info
- Two Rivers Heritage Museum Plant Sale β 10:00 AMβ3:00 PM at 1 Durgan St., Washougal. Locally grown and native plants, with proceeds supporting the Camas-Washougal Historical Society. More info
- America 250 Series: Flag Day β 12:00 PM at the Vancouver Barracks. Patriotic music, poetry readings by Christopher Luna, living history characters, historic flag displays, a make-and-take craft, and food trucks. Free small flags for the first 500 guests. More info
- Flag Day Ceremony β 1:00 PM at Vancouver Elks Lodge #823. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks hosts readings, music, and the Pledge of Allegiance honoring the American flag. Free. More info
- Paradise of Samoa Polynesian Dance Troupe β 2:00β3:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Experience the living traditions of Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, and New Zealand through dance and authentic music. Free. More info
- Clark College Concert Band Spring Concert β 3:00 PM at Skyview High School, Vancouver. Directed by Dr. Doug Harris. Free admission. More info
- Jazz, Wine, and Canines β 3:00 PM at the historic Grant House, Vancouver. Benefiting Southwest Washington Humane Society, this afternoon features jazz, a gourmet buffet, and a guided wine experience with owner/winemaker on hand. Dogs welcome! $200. More info
- The Birth Book Launch with Dr. Jennifer Lincoln β 4:15 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Portland OB/GYN, author, and educator Dr. Jen Lincoln hosts an in-person session on demystifying birth, presented with Childbirth Allies. $33.60. More info
- Silver Star Mountain Hike with Mazamas β 5:30 PM via Ed's Trail and Indian Pits. Expect possible wildflowers, a scramble through a rock arch, and volcano views on clear days. More info
Forward this to one Vancouver friend today β it's how we grow.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.
Reach engaged Vancouver, WA readers daily. Learn more β